Breaking: WAEC Releases 2026 First Series Results for Private Candidates
The West African Examinations Council has officially announced the release of results for the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2026 First Series, with candidates able to access their scores within 12 hours of the announcement.
WAEC disclosed the development in a statement published on its official X account on Friday, confirming that the timely turnaround reflects the council’s ongoing drive to modernise its examination systems and improve service delivery through technology adoption and efficient processes.
“The result of CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026–First Series has been released. Candidates can access their results within the next 12 hours,” the council stated. “Our thanks to all stakeholders for cooperating with us to achieve this feat.”
The CB-WASSCE is designed specifically for private candidates — individuals who sit for the examination outside the conventional school system — and forms a critical part of WAEC’s broader strategy to expand access to certification for Nigerians and other West African nationals who may have previously missed the opportunity to obtain their senior school leaving qualifications.
The computer-based format, which replaces the traditional paper-and-pencil approach for this category of candidates, is intended to reduce the risks associated with manual processing, cut result turnaround times, and strengthen the integrity of the examination process. WAEC has progressively expanded its computer-based testing infrastructure across member countries in recent years as part of efforts to align with global examination standards.
The council also acknowledged stakeholder support in ensuring the smooth conduct of the examination, without specifying which agencies or institutions were involved in the process.
Candidates who sat for the 2026 First Series are advised to visit WAEC’s official platforms to access their results once they become available within the stated window.
WAEC conducts examinations across five member countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia — and remains one of the most recognised examination bodies in the West African sub-region, with its certificates widely accepted for tertiary institution admissions and professional purposes across the region.